Rik Mayall fans secure late comedian a top ten single with tribute Facebook campaign

Following a mighty effort led by a Facebook tribute page, Rik Mayall’s ‘lost’ Word Cup song, Noble England, has shot straight into the top ten of the Official Singles Chart.

Comedian Mayall was found dead at the age of 56 in his home on Monday. His widow Barbara Mayall revealed that her husband suffered a heart attack while a post-mortem proved inconclusive, with more tests ordered.

Noble England, which was originally recorded for the 2010 World Cup, failed to chart the first time around, but thanks to a social media campaign set up in his memory, the track has raced to number seven.

The campaign was led by Jon Morter, who was also behind Rage Against The Machine’s victory over then X Factor winner Joe McElderry in the 2009 Christmas number one race.

A fitting tribute to the comedy great (Picture: Facebook / Bonnie Mayall)

According to the late star, Noble England combines three of England’s great traditions: football, Shakespeare and, of course, himself.

‘Football chants are one of the great traditions of following football and Shakespeare is also part of our national heritage,’ Mayall said in 2010. ‘It seemed only natural that they should go together.’

‘I’m doing my bit, just like every other Englishman,’ he added. ‘As we stand shoulder-to-shoulder, doing out bit, stiff upper lip – apart from when you’re screaming out the lyrics to Noble England.’

Mayall is no stranger to chart success. As part of the Young Ones, he teamed up with Sir Cliff Richard in 1986 for Comic Relief and re-recorded the chart legend’s 1959 hit Living Doll. The new version stayed at number one for three weeks.